GILMANTON — Local artist and art educator Larry Frates is returning to the Gilmanton Year-Round Library as its Artist in the Library from now through July. There will be a reception for Frates on Saturday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. which will include a painting demonstration from 2 to 2:30 p.m.A long-time Gilmanton resident, Frates has been an artist and educator for more than 40 years. In 1973 he established the Frates Creative Arts Center in Laconia which offers classes in art, dance and theater, as well as art supplies. He has been recognized as a professional artist with works exhibited at the Smithsonian and many other museums. As an educator, he has been selected over the years to be part of cultural exchange delegations to Brazil, Russia, and Lithuania through Partners of the Americas and the Samantha Smith Foundation. During his Fulbright year in Scotland he helped to develop a collaborative arts program between the Orkney Islands Education Council, Aberdeen College, and U.S. schools.Throughout his career, Larry has balanced his ability to think with creativity and his passion to teach through creativity. As an art teacher, curriculum coordinator, creative consultant, or artistic director for the On Stage Theater Company, he continues to act as a catalyst for "creative change and real-world innovation." Details about Frates and his work can be viewed at his website, www.fratescreates.com.

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Artist Larry Frates, Gilmanton Year-Round Library's Artist in the Library, will offer a painting demonstration during a reception on Saturday at 2 p.m. (Courtesy Photo)